jancology.com

Today the doctors found a big pressure difference between arms and legs and a heart noise. They advised to examine this a.s.a.p. and Jente was immediately transferred to the Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam. In the afternoon a dopler echo was made. With this kind of echo it is possible to see the blood flow through the heart and veins.

Schematic drawing, red arrows show the blood leaks.

The conclusion was that Jente had a congenital Complete Atrial Ventricular Septal Defect.

Ventricular Septal Defect - This is the most common kind of heart defect and also known as the hole-in-the-heart.

Atrial Septal Defect

This is one of the simplest forms of congenital heart disease. It is a hole in the two upper chambers and results in a bigger flow of oxygen right blood over the lungs. This defect was very difficult to see and it wasn’t sure if blood was already flowing to the wrong side.

Ventricular Septal Defect

This is the most common kind of heart defect and also known as the hole-in-the-heart. The ventricular septum is the wall between the two lower chambers in the heart that separates the left and right side. The problem is that when Jente gets older (a few weeks), its easier for the blood to flow over the lungs then over the rest of the body. This leaves the body without enough oxygen and Jente gets trouble with eating and gaining weight. Many VSDs close on their own. However with Jente the doctor didn’t mention this at all; probably because it was to early to talk about it; probably because there were two holes… Large VSDs usually need to be closed; preferably after the the third year or when medicine does not help anymore. VSD closure is one of the most commonly performed congenital heart operations and the child would be expected to have virtually normal growth after the repair.

There seems to be no immediate risks at the short term. As Jente is premature and dismature she will also stay at least another 4 weeks in hospital where she is carefully monitored. The next heart check will be in six weeks from now.